The federal government is suing Chicago Cubs for renovations to Wrigley Field, alleging that they did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Although the Chicago Cubs intend to bring an improved fan experience to Wrigley Field with its recent renovations, the renovations were not designed with all baseball fans in mind.
The Cubs, which began renovating Wrigley Field after the 2014 MLB season, is the subject of a federal lawsuit as a result of an investigation into whether the facilities are wheelchair accessible.
A lawsuit filed by the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago claims that the Cubs violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and “failed to ensure that recent additions and modifications to Wrigley Field are easily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.”
The suit alleged that fans using wheelchairs do not have good views of the stadium and that group seating areas and premium clubs do not have enough seating.
Chicago Cubs sued Wrigley Field’s renovations for failing to meet disability requirements
As the lawsuit alleges That ticket windows, concession booths, sales and service counters are too high for wheelchair users. Other inaccessible areas brought up in the lawsuit include dining services, restrooms, turning paths, and parking.
According to the 2019 report issued by Chicago Sun TimesThe federal lawsuit is the result of a 2019 lawsuit filed by David Philemon Cerda. Cerda is a Cubs fan who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair.
A Cubs spokesperson responded to the lawsuit, which you can read below, Across WGN 9 . News.
“We are disappointed with the decision by the US Department of Justice to file a lawsuit and hope the issue can be resolved amicably, but we will defend Wrigley Field and our position that it meets audience accessibility requirements. The renovation of Wrigley Field has significantly increased the accessibility of the stadium and has been completed in accordance with the law applicable and historic preservation standards consistent with designating the stadium as a National Landmark and the City of Chicago.Since the Department of Justice began reviewing it in November 2019, we have fully cooperated with each inquiry and voluntarily made several offerings to enhance the stadium’s accessible features, including seating restrooms, concessions and other key access elements, in response to the department’s inquiry.
Wrigley Field is now more accessible than at any time in its 108-year history, evidenced by more than 50 percent increase in accessible seating options on and across more levels and at more locations. Wrigley Field has 11 more elevators than it did before the renovation began, more accessible restroom facilities, assistive listening technology for hearing-impaired fans, improved speakers and sound systems throughout the stadium, updated ticketing systems and online systems for purchasing seats, Including accessible seats. Today, The Friendly Confines is more welcoming than ever to fans with disabilities.”
Contrary to the organization’s claims, Cerda said in his 2019 lawsuit that “he could no longer sit in his preferred seats there, and his view of matches had only worsened,” alleging at the time that “the team had breached its duty under the ADA.”
At the end of the 2014 season, the Cubs began Project Wrigley Field 1060, which would, On their website“Ensuring the viability of the stadium for future generations of Cubs fans, while preserving the beauty, charm and historical features that fans know and love.” According to their website, Project 1060 focused on “structural upgrades, improved player facilities, new fan amenities, outdoor signage, two video boards, new home clubs, expanded concessions, and new and improved restroom facilities.”
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